James Michael Curran Sr. (June 9, 1903 – February 12, 1968) was an American civil engineer who designed the chairlift that was essential for establishing skiing as a recreational sport in the United States.
But, his historical significance came earlier with a novel idea that a hoisting mechanism used to unload bananas from ships could be redesigned as a safe, inexpensive, relatively enjoyable way to get skiers up the slope.
Before chairlifts were installed at Sun Valley, Idaho in 1936, skiers had relied on tows powered by horses or water wheels.
Curran's chairlift raised skiers off the ground allowing them to rest and gain an enjoyable view of mountains, ski-runs, and resorts.
“People were marveling over how well the chairlifts worked,” and it "hit the sweet spot of cost and comfort," said Kirby Gilbert, a ski historian.